Current affairs — 8 October 2026

57th GST Council Meeting Rescheduled to October 8 in New Delhi

The 57th GST Council Session, initially scheduled for October 7, 2026, was rescheduled to October 8, 2026 in New Delhi. The crucial meeting will see the Centre and States engage in key discussions on GST matters and potential rate rationalization.

Why it matters: GST Council meetings are critical for questions on indirect taxation, fiscal federalism, and economic reforms

Current DA Rate Stands at 60% for Central Government Employees from January 2026

The Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees currently stands at 60% of basic pay, effective from January 1, 2026, following a 2% increase approved by the Cabinet. DA is revised twice a year (January and July) based on the All-India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW). The next DA hike announcement for the second half of 2026 is expected in October 2026.

Why it matters: DA revisions directly impact lakhs of government employees and pensioners; critical for questions on pay structure and allowances

PM Modi to Inaugurate 10th India Mobile Congress 2026 on October 8

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 10th edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 on October 8, 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The four-day event runs from October 7-10 with the theme 'Scale Without Boundaries' and will showcase telecom, 5G/6G, AI, and digital infrastructure technologies. Industry leaders including Reliance Jio Chairman Akash Ambani, Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, and Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla will deliver keynotes.

Why it matters: Important for questions on digital India initiatives, telecom policy, and major government technology events

65th National Open Athletics Championships Begin in New Delhi

The 65th National Open Athletics Championships commenced on October 8, 2026 in New Delhi and will run till October 11, 2026. The event is part of India's domestic athletics calendar and serves as a platform for national athletes to compete.

Why it matters: National championships in athletics are important for sports current affairs questions

Smriti Mandhana Named Indian Women's Cricket Captain

Smriti Mandhana was named as the new captain of the Indian women's cricket team on October 7, 2026, taking over the leadership role. This follows Harmanpreet Kaur stepping down from the captaincy.

Why it matters: Appointments in national sports teams are frequently asked in current affairs sections